The Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers
entered Mountain Time Zone in South Dakota
and saw great scenery on their way to the campground.
May 17, 2016

As the two RV Gypsies approached Lake Francis Case in their RV, Lee Duquette said, "It looks like we will be driving right into the lake."

Photos Above and Below: Lake Francis Case is a large reservoir behind Fort Randall Dam on the Missouri River in south-central South Dakota. The lake has an area of 102,000 acres and a maximum depth of 140 feet. Lake Francis Case has a length of approximately 107 miles and has a shoreline of 540 miles. The reservoir is named for former South Dakota Senator Francis Higbee Case.

Species of fish in the reservoir include walleye, northern pike, sauger, sunfish, yellow perch, common carp, black bullhead, channel catfish, and smallmouth bass.

Below: Scenic travel roads with very little traffic in south-central South Dakota.

Below: "Roller Coaster roads" and a sign for 1880 Town in Murdo SD.

A man walking a dinosaur - guess they could not find food or water.

Below: Signs along the highway - Firehouse Brewing Company which the two RV Gypsies will see when they reach Rapid City, plus a cute train sign for Reptile Gardens where Karen Duquette does NOT want to go.

Below: A look back in time - Indians chasing a stagecoach

Belvidere East / Exit 170 KOA is a gated campground. Arrive before 10 p.m. MST or arrange a late arrival in advance. Max pull thru: 90 feet.

Pool: Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend.

No trains, no planes! Easy off, easy on, only 1/2 mile north off I-90, Exit 170. It was Big rig friendly and all the RV sites were long pull-throughs. There was also free cable TV (but their list of TV channels was not correct). The campground had coded Wi-Fi that worked fast.

Don't feel like cooking? From Memorial Day to Labor Day, join KOA in the restaurant. (The two RV Gypsies did not eat in the restaurant.) There is also a fenced-in area where your dogs can exercise. (The two RV Gypsies do not have dogs)

Pool: Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend. A large solar-heated pool, playground, bike rentals and game room keep kids happy. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult in the pool. All of which the two RV Gypsies seldom use.

While en route to Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park or Devils Tower, this KOA may be a good place to stop for exploring the re-created 1880s town before visiting the Badlands and the famous Wall Drug Store.

The roads were dirt roads with a bit of gravel, and the parking area for the sites had a bit more gravel, plus a bit of grass. The water pressure here was really bad. It was difficult to wash and rinse long hair. Most standard KOA rules applied. There was a laundry room, so no clotheslines. Generators are not allowed to be used. No Fireworks. There were some cabins. Check-out time 11 a.m.

Menu for the two RV Gypsies in South Dakota
Sites 12-15
May 15 - 20, 2016
You may view these adventures in any order your choose.

(There is also a link to Wyoming at the bottom of this page plus the main navigational buttons)

S.D. Welcome Center/Rest Area/travel (site 12)

Travel photos plus the campground in South Central SD (this page)

Mitchell Corn Palace - site 13

Badlands Petrified Gardens - site 14

Wall Drug, the Jackalope and more- site 14

Rapid City, The Berlin Wall, and more- site 15

Bear Country USA

Chapel in the Hills

Cosmos Mystery Area

Dinosaur Park in Rapid City

Formal Gardens and sundial in Rapid City

Pactola Lake, part of Black Hills National Forest

Presidential Statues in Rapid City

Marlins Restaurant

CAMPGROUNDS THE TWO RV GYPSIES STAYED AT IN SD

Sioux City North KOA in North Sioux City, SD

Hills RV Park in Plankinton, SD

Belvidere East Exit 170 KOA in Midland, SD

Three Flags RV Park in Black Hawk, SD

AFTER you have seen all of the above sites in South Dakota, please continue on to the adventures of the two RV Gypsies in Buffalo, Wyoming.

OR Continue Navigation in the order of your choice via the alphabetical or category buttons below OR Click here to see travels by the year (not the best way)